Marmaris is one of Turkey's most beloved holiday destinations, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and across Europe every summer. Travelling with children is one of life's great pleasures — but when a child falls ill abroad, language barriers can turn an already stressful situation into a genuinely frightening one. Dr. Göze Ercan is a specialist paediatrician based in the heart of Marmaris who provides comprehensive child health services in English, giving foreign families the expert care and peace of mind they need.
Why an English-Speaking Paediatrician Matters
Accurate symptom description is the foundation of a correct diagnosis. Medical nuances — the precise character of a rash, the timing of a fever, subtle changes in a child's behaviour or appetite — can be impossible to convey through a language barrier or a translation app. A single misunderstood detail can lead to the wrong diagnosis, unnecessary tests or inappropriate treatment.
With Dr. Ercan, parents can communicate freely and completely in English from the moment they arrive. The entire consultation — history-taking, examination, diagnosis and treatment plan — is conducted in clear, accessible English. Written prescriptions and discharge summaries can also be provided in English, which is particularly useful for travel insurance claims or follow-up with your GP back home.
About Dr. Göze Ercan
Dr. Göze Ercan is a specialist in paediatrics and child health with over 17 years of clinical experience. She graduated from Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine and completed her specialty training at hospitals in both North Cyprus and Istanbul.
A significant portion of Dr. Ercan's career was spent in Cyprus — at the Kolan British Hospital and Lefkosha State Hospital — where she regularly cared for British, Australian and European patients. This extensive international experience means she is not only fluent in medical English but also deeply familiar with the health backgrounds, vaccination schedules and clinical expectations that Western families bring to consultations.
Dr. Ercan opened her own paediatric clinic in Marmaris in February 2026, bringing specialist child healthcare to both local families and the town's many international visitors. A mother of two herself, she understands parental anxiety from personal experience and takes the time to explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly and reassuringly.
Paediatric Services Available in English
- Routine Well-Child Checks: Growth and development monitoring, nutritional guidance, age-appropriate advice
- Vaccinations: Full Turkish immunisation schedule plus travel and optional vaccines (Hepatitis A, meningococcal, varicella, rotavirus, HPV)
- Acute Illness Assessment: Fever, sore throat, ear infections, cough, diarrhoea, vomiting — prompt evaluation and treatment
- Allergy Assessment: Food allergies, seasonal allergies, eczema, urticaria
- Chronic Condition Management: Asthma, reflux, recurrent infections, growth and developmental concerns
- Newborn Examination: Newborn check-ups, breastfeeding support, jaundice monitoring
- Developmental Assessment: Language development, motor skills, attention and behavioural concerns
- Holiday Health Issues: Heatstroke, sunburn, jellyfish stings, insect bites, traveller's diarrhoea, swimmer's ear
Common Health Problems in Children on Holiday in Marmaris
Fever and Infections
A change in climate, exposure to unfamiliar pathogens and the general fatigue of travel can temporarily weaken a child's immune system. High or persistent fever is the most common reason foreign families seek medical attention during a Marmaris holiday. In infants under three months, any temperature above 38°C should be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate assessment.
Gastrointestinal Upsets
New cuisines, different food preparation standards and occasional lapses in hygiene can cause stomach upsets, diarrhoea and vomiting. In young children, dehydration from these symptoms can develop rapidly and become dangerous. Early medical assessment is important — oral rehydration therapy started promptly makes a significant difference.
Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Marmaris experiences intense summer heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C and high humidity. Children under five are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness. Warning signs of heatstroke include very high body temperature, flushed dry skin, headache, confusion and severe fatigue. Prevention involves keeping children in shade during peak hours (11am–4pm), ensuring generous fluid intake throughout the day and applying SPF 50+ sunscreen every two hours.
Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
Extended time in pools and the sea can cause the outer ear canal to remain persistently moist, creating conditions where bacteria thrive. Symptoms include ear pain, itching, a sense of blockage and occasionally a slight discharge. The condition responds well to antibiotic ear drops when caught early, so early presentation is recommended.
Allergic Reactions
New foods, local plant pollen, jellyfish stings and insect bites can all trigger allergic reactions in children who have not previously encountered these allergens. Mild reactions typically cause hives or localised swelling. Severe reactions involving difficulty breathing, widespread swelling or collapse require immediate emergency care — call 112 in Turkey for emergencies.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Please seek immediate paediatric assessment if your child shows any of the following signs:
- Fever above 38°C in infants under three months
- Fever above 39.5°C at any age, or any fever lasting more than 48 hours
- Difficulty breathing, noisy or very rapid breathing
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, absence of tears, no wet nappy for 8+ hours
- A widespread rash that appears suddenly
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
- Severe headache with neck stiffness or sensitivity to bright light
- Unusual drowsiness, limpness or difficulty waking
How to Book an Appointment
Booking an appointment with Dr. Göze Ercan is straightforward. You can book online through the doktorsitesi.com platform, or contact the clinic directly via WhatsApp for urgent queries. The clinic is located in central Marmaris and is easily accessible from all major holiday areas.
When attending your appointment, please bring your child's passport or ID, any vaccination records you have, a list of known allergies and any medications your child is currently taking. If you have travel insurance, bring your policy details — most European travel insurance policies cover overseas paediatric consultations, and the clinic can provide detailed English-language documentation for your insurer's requirements.
Whether your child needs a routine check-up, a vaccination catch-up or urgent assessment for an unexpected illness, Dr. Göze Ercan's clinic is here to help your family through it — clearly, professionally and entirely in English.
